Device function disablement during vehicle motion

ABSTRACT

A method and system for disabling functions of a movement detection enabled device is provided. The method includes monitoring a movement detection signal of the movement detection enabled device in a vehicle and determining that the vehicle is currently in motion. An electronic tag in the vehicle is detected and instructions associated with the movement detection enabled device are retrieved. It is determined that the movement detection enabled device is located within a specified proximity to a driver location of the vehicle and that a user of the device is a driver of the vehicle. In response, specified functions of the movement detection enabled device are disabled.

This application is a continuation application claiming priority to Ser.No. 14/988,911 filed Jan. 6, 2016 which is a continuation applicationclaiming priority to Ser. No. 14/202,572 filed Mar. 10, 2014 now U.S.Pat. No. 9,270,809 issued Feb. 23, 2016.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a method for determiningpositions of vehicle occupants with respect to the vehicle and inparticular to a method and associated system for using the determinedpositions to control selected functions of associated devices.

BACKGROUND

Identifying device users typically includes an inaccurate process withlittle flexibility. Preventing access to a user device based on anidentification process may include a complicated process that may betime consuming and require a large amount of resources. Accordingly,there exists a need in the art to overcome at least some of thedeficiencies and limitations described herein above.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides method comprising: monitoring,by a computer processor of a movement detection enabled device, amovement detection signal of the movement detection enabled device in avehicle; determining, by the computer processor based on the monitoringthe movement detection signal, that the vehicle is currently in motion;detecting, by the computer processor based on the determining that thevehicle is currently in motion, an electronic tag in the vehicle;retrieving, by the computer processor from the electronic tag,instructions associated with the movement detection enabled device;determining, by the computer processor based on the detecting theelectronic tag, that the movement detection enabled device is locatedwithin a specified proximity to a driver location of the vehicle;determining, by the computer processor based on the determining that themovement detection enabled device is located within the specifiedproximity to the driver location of the vehicle, that the user is adriver of the vehicle; and disabling, by the computer processor based onthe instructions and the determining that the user is the driver of thevehicle, specified functions of the movement detection enabled device.

A second aspect of the invention provides movement detection enableddevice comprising a computer processor coupled to a computer-readablememory unit, the memory unit comprising instructions that when executedby the computer processor implements a method comprising: monitoring, bythe computer processor, a movement detection signal of the movementdetection enabled device in a vehicle; determining, by the computerprocessor based on the monitoring the movement detection signal, thatthe vehicle is currently in motion; detecting, by the computer processorbased on the determining that the vehicle is currently in motion, anelectronic tag in the vehicle; retrieving, by the computer processorfrom the electronic tag, instructions associated with the movementdetection enabled device; determining, by the computer processor basedon the detecting the electronic tag, that the movement detection enableddevice is located within a specified proximity to a driver location ofthe vehicle; determining, by the computer processor based on thedetermining that the movement detection enabled device is located withinthe specified proximity to the driver location of the vehicle, that theuser is a driver of the vehicle; and disabling, by the computerprocessor based on the instructions and the determining that the user isthe driver of the vehicle, specified functions of the movement detectionenabled device.

A third aspect of the invention provides a computer program product,comprising a computer readable hardware storage device storing acomputer readable program code, the computer readable program codecomprising an algorithm that when executed by a computer processor of amovement detection enabled device implements a method, the methodcomprising: monitoring, by the computer processor, a movement detectionsignal of the movement detection enabled device in a vehicle;determining, by the computer processor based on the monitoring themovement detection signal, that the vehicle is currently in motion;detecting, by the computer processor based on the determining that thevehicle is currently in motion, an electronic tag in the vehicle;retrieving, by the computer processor from the electronic tag,instructions associated with the movement detection enabled device;determining, by the computer processor based on the detecting theelectronic tag, that the movement detection enabled device is locatedwithin a specified proximity to a driver location of the vehicle;determining, by the computer processor based on the determining that themovement detection enabled device is located within the specifiedproximity to the driver location of the vehicle, that the user is adriver of the vehicle; and disabling, by the computer processor based onthe instructions and the determining that the user is the driver of thevehicle, specified functions of the movement detection enabled device.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method andassociated system capable of identifying device users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for determining positions of vehicleoccupants with respect to a vehicle and controlling selected functionsof associated movement detection enabled devices based on the determinedpositions, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for determining positions of vehicle occupants withrespect to a vehicle and controlling selected functions of associatedmovement detection enabled devices based on the determined positions, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for logging and controlling selected functions ofassociated movement detection enabled devices, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for performing a statistical analysis with respect to atime period associated with a vehicle not in motion, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for receiving a communication without notifying adriver of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 for logging a communications, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computer apparatus used by the system of FIG. 1 fordetermining positions of vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle andcontrolling selected functions of associated movement detection enableddevices based on the determined positions, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for determining positions of vehicleoccupants 18 a . . . 18 n with respect to a vehicle 22 and controllingselected functions of associated movement detection enabled devices 20 a. . . 20 n based on the determined positions, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. System 100 is configured tomeasure a proximity to a radio tag 16 to disable a texting feature ofone of devices 20 a . . . 20 n during motion of vehicle 22. Movementdetection enabled devices 20 a . . . 20 n are enabled to detect a radiotag 16 and/or vehicle motion to activate a disable feature associatedwith a texting feature, phone call features, Internet features, camerafeatures, etc. (of one of devices 20 a . . . 20 n). Radio tag 16 maycomprise any type of electronic tag including, inter alia, a near fieldcommunication (NFC) tag. Radio tag 16 may be placed at any locationwithin vehicle 22. For example, radio tag 16 may be placed (permanentlyor temporarily) on or within a dashboard, a rearview mirror, anavigation system, a radio, a steering wheel, etc. System 100 iscommunicatively coupled to a movement detection feature within devices20 a . . . 20 n. Therefore if a driver (one of occupants 18 a . . . 18n) disables NFC and/or Bluetooth communications (within vehicle 22),software within any of devices 20 a . . . 20 n (and/or software 17within an onboard computer 14) may warn an authority entity, record alog indicating the disabling, and/or require a logged manual override tobe executed. Additionally, the software disables a texting function onany of devices 20 a . . . 20 n. Furthermore, the software may log anynon-texting activity (performed on any of devices 20 a . . . 20 n) for;inter alia, insurance purposes, etc. System 100 enables a reward processin combination with a lock out mechanism to create an incentive for adriver while simultaneously mitigating attempts to bypass system 100.The movement detection feature may include any type of device locatingmethods including, inter alia, global positioning satellite (GPS)tracking/movement detection methods (including triangulation motiondetection methods), micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) methods, Wifipositioning methods, a cellular tower triangulation process, etc.

MEMS (located within cell phones) are enabled to detect accelerationmovement (i.e., via an accelerometer and a gyroscope) used to triggerrequests for positioning information. Therefore, MEMS enables a processfor periodically requesting a current location and comparing the currentlocation to prior location requests thereby determining movement,direction, and speed.

A Wifi positioning method comprises a localization technique (used forpositioning with wireless access points) is based on a process formeasuring an intensity of a received signal (i.e., received signalstrength in English RSS) and a process comprising finger printing. Anaccuracy of a Wifi positioning method depends on a number of positionsentered into a database.

A GPS tracking method (i.e., comprising a triangulation of geosynchronous satellites) comprises a location based service.

A cellular tower triangulation process uses a location area code (LAC)and a Cell ID of an associated cell tower currently connected to anassociated cellular telephone to determine a position of the currentlyconnected cellular telephone resulting in data usage from at least threecellular towers. The cellular tower triangulation process calculates ahandset's location precisely. Each base station covers a specifiedgeographical area.

System 100 of FIG. 1 includes a computing system 25 and a GPS (or anytype of movement detection system) system 29 communicatively connectedto vehicle 22. The vehicle 22 includes an onboard computer 14, occupants18 a . . . 18 n, a radio tag 16, and associated devices 20 a . . . 20 n(e.g., driver distraction devices). Onboard computer 14 is communicablyconnected to devices 20 a . . . 20 n, computing system 25 and/or GPSsystem 29. Onboard computer 14 may include any type of computingsystem(s) including, inter alia, an automobile integrated computer, acomputer (PC), a laptop computer, a tablet, etc. Memory system 8 storesprogram instructions 17 for communicating with computing system 25 andor GPS system 29 (in communications with a GPS), measuring a proximityto radio tag 16, determining vehicle motion, and disabling textingfeatures (and/or voice features) of devices 20 a . . . 20 n during thedetected motion of vehicle 22. Alternatively, devices 20 a . . . 20 nmay directly communicate with computing system 25 and or GPS system 29to measure the proximity to radio tag 16, determine vehicle motion, anddisable texting features (and/or voice features) of devices 20 a . . .20 n during the detection of radio tag and/or detected motion of vehicle22. Devices 20 a . . . 20 n may comprise global positioning satellite(GPS) devices, mobile computing devices, smart phones, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 for controlling selected functions of associatedmovement detection enabled devices based on determined positions ofvehicle occupants, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. Each of the steps in the algorithm of FIG. 2 may be enabledand executed in any order by a computer processor executing computercode. In step 200, a movement detection signal of a movement detectionenabled device in a vehicle is monitored. In step 202, it is determined(based on the monitored movement detection signal of step 200) that thevehicle is currently in motion. In step 204, an electronic tag in thevehicle is detected based on the determined vehicle motion. In step 208,instructions associated with the movement detection enabled device areretrieved from the electronic tag. The instructions may include, interalia, data defining disabling instructions, override instructions,reporting instructions, etc. In step 212, it is that the movementdetection enabled device is located within a specified proximity to adriver location of the vehicle. In step 214, it is determined (based onthe proximity of the movement detection enabled device with respect tothe radio tag) that determining that a user of the movement detectionenabled device is a driver of the vehicle. In step 218, specifiedfunctions of the movement detection enabled device are disabled based onthe instructions. Disabling the specified functions may include, interalia:

-   1. Disabling the movement detection enabled device.-   2. Disabling text messaging functions of the movement detection    enabled device.-   3. Disabling message notification features associated with text    messaging functions of the movement detection enabled device.-   4. Disabling phone call functions of the movement detection enabled    device.-   2. Disabling Internet access functions of the movement detection    enabled device.

FIG. 3 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 for logging and controlling selected functions ofassociated movement detection enabled devices, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. In step 300, a system (e.g.,system 100 of FIG. 1) scans a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 22 of FIG. 1) foran electronic tag (e.g., radio tag 16 of FIG. 1). In step 302, it isdetermined if an electronic tag has been detected during the scan ofstep 300. If in step 302, it is determined that an electronic tag hasnot been detected then step 300 is repeated. If in step 302, it isdetermined that an electronic tag has been detected then in step 304 thetag transmits a software code to a movement detection enabled device(e.g., one of devices 20 a . . . 20 n of FIG. 1) belonging to a userwithin a specified proximity of the tag (e.g., a driver of the vehicle).The software code disables any texting functions (inbound of outbound),message receipt functions, and dial pad functions associated withexecuting outbound calls. In step 308, any detected movement of thevehicle is logged for authority entity (e.g., insurance company, policedepartment, etc.) reporting. In step 310, it is determined if thevehicle has been stopped (i.e., not in motion) for at least a specifiedtime period. If in step 310, it is determined that the vehicle has notbeen stopped (i.e., currently in motion) for at least the specified timeperiod then step 308 is repeated. If in step 310, it is determined thatthe vehicle has been stopped (i.e., not in motion) for at least thespecified time period then in step 312, the disabled specified functionsof the movement detection enabled device are enabled.

FIG. 4 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 for performing a statistical analysis with respectto a time period associated with a vehicle not in motion, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. In step 400, a system (e.g.,system 100 of FIG. 1) monitors movement of a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 22of FIG. 1). In step 402, it is determined (based on results of step 400)if a latitude or longitude with respect to a location of the vehicle haschanged. If in step 402, it is determined that a latitude or longitudewith respect to a location of the vehicle has changed then step 400 isrepeated to monitor vehicle movement. If in step 402, it is determinedthat a latitude or longitude with respect to a location of the vehiclehas not changed then in step 404 a heuristics algorithm is executed. Theheuristics algorithm determines if a stop time (i.e., indicated by thelatitude or longitude not changing) period comprises a traffic controlrelated stop time. The heuristics algorithm may reference previousvehicle stop time information associated with the current latitude orlongitude. For example, traffic lights operate via: a timer, sensorsbased upon traffic flow, a schedule, and predetermined priority atspecified times of day for north/south directions and east/westdirections. Likewise, stop signs are associated with different patterns.For example, a wait period, a short movement process (e.g., of a coupleof meters), and a complete halt of motion. Every time a halt in motionis executed, a record is generated. The record comprises an associated:time of day, day of week, longitude/latitude, and last direction oftravel. When motion is initiated, the record is updated with a durationof non-movement. Additionally, when a complete halt of motion occurs, adata base is interrogated for a prior occurrence within a circle area ofa specified size (i.e., allowing for arrival at an intersection from aperpendicular direction). Using three sigma analysis process (of thehistorical data on duration) a probability of either a traffic light ora stop sign is derived. The three sigma analysis is used to calculateprobabilities that the associated stop comprises a traffic controlrelated device. A three sigma (or process behavior analysis)statistically analyzes data to determine if the data falls within threestandard deviations of the mean in a normal distribution.

In step 408, it is determined if the vehicle has been stopped (i.e., notin motion) for at least a specified time period. If in step 408, it isdetermined that the vehicle has not been stopped (i.e., currently inmotion) for at least the specified time period then step 400 isrepeated. If in step 408, it is determined that the vehicle has beenstopped (i.e., not in motion) for at least the specified time periodthen in step 410, an option (indicating an enable feature for anassociated GPS enabled device) is presented to the user (e.g., adriver). In step 412, it is determined if any vehicle movement has beendetected. If in step 412, it is determined that any vehicle movement hasnot been detected then step 412 is repeated until movement has beendetected. If in step 412, it is determined that vehicle movement hasbeen detected then in step 414 the algorithm of FIG. 3 is executed.

FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 for receiving a communication without notifying adriver of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. The algorithm of FIG. 5 allows a driver of a vehicle toselect automatic acceptance and logging of any inbound communication.Additionally, if an inbound communication exceeds a predetermined timeperiod threshold, then inbound communication data is captured andreported. A communication duration may be limited to just enough time tocommunicate such that that the driver will call the individual back orthe driver may pull over to take the call.

In step 500, software (e.g., software of a movement detection enableddevice, software of a radio tag, software 17 of FIG. 1, etc.) is enabledfor monitoring a movement detection enabled device for an inboundcommunication (e.g., a text message, a phone call, an email, etc.). Instep 502, it is determined if an inbound communication has been receivedby the movement detection enabled device. If in step 502, it isdetermined that an inbound communication has not been received by themovement detection enabled device then step 500 is repeated. If in step502, it is determined that an inbound communication has been received bythe movement detection enabled device then in step 504, a message isautomatically transmitted to a sender of the inbound communication. Themessage may indicate that a driver of the vehicle (i.e., associated withthe movement detection enabled device) is currently driving and willrespond to the inbound communication at a later time. In step 508, it isdetermined if the driver is currently accepting communications. If instep 508, it is determined that the driver is not currently acceptingcommunications then step 500 is repeated. If in step 508, it isdetermined that the driver is currently accepting communications then instep 500 a message is automatically transmitted to a sender of theinbound communication. The message may indicate that the driver iscurrently accepting brief communications.

FIG. 6 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 for logging a communications, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. The algorithm of FIG. 6 allowsmovement detection enabled device (of a driver of a vehicle) receive aninbound communication without being alerted. The movement detectionenabled device may be configured to automatically transmit a message toa sender of the inbound communication. The message may indicate that thereceived communication will be delivered to the driver at a later time.

In step 600, a driver of a vehicle enables an override function of amovement detection enabled device. The override function enablesacceptance of inbound communication (e.g., a text message, a phone call,an email, etc.). In step 602, it is determined if the driver will acceptan inbound communication has been received by the movement detectionenabled device. If in step 602, it is determined that the driver willnot accept an inbound communication then step 600 is repeated. If instep 602, it is determined that the driver will accept an inboundcommunication then in step 604, the communication is received by thedriver and it is determined if the communication exceeds a specifiedthreshold. If in step 604 it is determined that the communication doesnot exceed a specified threshold then step 600 is repeated. If in step604 it is determined that the communication does exceed a specifiedthreshold then in step 608 the communication is logged and a report istransmitted to an authority entity.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computer system 90 used by system 100 of FIG. 1 fordetermining positions of vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle andcontrolling selected functions of associated movement detection enableddevices based on the determined positions, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.”

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like,and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The computer system 90 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a processor 91, aninput device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an output device 93 coupledto the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to theprocessor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, amouse, a camera, a touchscreen, etc. The output device 93 may be, interalia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, aremovable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 94 and 95may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, anoptical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc(DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM),etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithms of FIGS. 2-6) fordetermining positions of vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle andcontrolling selected functions of associated movement detection enableddevices based on the determined positions. The processor 91 executes thecomputer code 97. The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The inputdata 96 includes input required by the computer code 97. The outputdevice 93 displays output from the computer code 97. Either or bothmemory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices notshown in FIG. 7) may include the algorithms of FIGS. 2-6 and may be usedas a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or a programstorage device) having a computer readable program code embodied thereinand/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readableprogram code includes the computer code 97. Generally, a computerprogram product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture) of thecomputer system 90 may include the computer usable medium (or theprogram storage device).

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could becreated, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced,etc. by a service supplier who offers to determine positions of vehicleoccupants with respect to a vehicle and control selected functions ofassociated movement detection enabled devices based on the determinedpositions. Thus the present invention discloses a process for deploying,creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/or integratingcomputing infrastructure, including integrating computer-readable codeinto the computer system 90, wherein the code in combination with thecomputer system 90 is capable of performing a method for determiningpositions of vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle and controllingselected functions of associated movement detection enabled devicesbased on the determined positions. In another embodiment, the inventionprovides a business method that performs the process steps of theinvention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, aservice supplier, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer todetermine positions of vehicle occupants with respect to a vehicle andcontrol selected functions of associated movement detection enableddevices based on the determined positions. In this case, the servicesupplier can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructurethat performs the process steps of the invention for one or morecustomers. In return, the service supplier can receive payment from thecustomer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the servicesupplier can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to oneor more third parties.

While FIG. 7 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configurationof hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, aswould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilizedfor the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particularcomputer system 90 of FIG. 7. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memorydevices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: enabling, by a computerprocessor of a movement detection enabled device detected to be locatedwithin a vehicle, communications between said movement detection enableddevice and an on-board computer of said vehicle; enabling, by saidcomputer processor, a warning function of said on-board computer,wherein said warning function is for indicating that an individual hasdisabled said communications and subsequently generating a log andwarning for an authority entity indicating that said communications havebeen disabled by said individual; determining, by said computerprocessor based on monitoring a movement detection signal of saidmovement detection enabled device, that said vehicle is currently inmotion; retrieving, by said computer processor from an electronic tag insaid vehicle, instructions associated with said movement detectionenabled device, wherein said instructions define commands associatedwith: disabling said movement detection enabled device, overriding saiddisabling said movement detection enabled device, and instructions forreporting said disabling said movement detection enabled device to anauthority entity; determining, by said computer processor based ondetecting said electronic tag and results of measuring a proximity ofsaid movement detection enabled device with respect to said electronictag, that said movement detection enabled device is located within aspecified proximity of said electronic tag indicating a driver locationof said vehicle; determining, by said computer processor based ondetermining that said movement detection enabled device is locatedwithin said specified proximity to said driver location of said vehicle,that said user is a driver of said vehicle; and disabling, by saidcomputer processor based on said instructions and said determining thatsaid user is said driver of said vehicle, specified functions of saidmovement detection enabled device.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid disabling said specified functions comprises disabling saidmovement detection enabled device.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid disabling said specified functions comprises disabling textmessaging functions of said movement detection enabled device.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said disabling said specified functionscomprises disabling message notification features associated with textmessaging functions of said movement detection enabled device.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said disabling said specified functionscomprises disabling phone call functions of said movement detectionenabled device.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said disabling saidspecified functions comprises disabling Internet access functions ofsaid movement detection enabled device.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein said electronic tag comprises a near field communication (NFC)tag.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said movement detection enableddevice comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a tablet computer, a PDA, and a cellular telephone.
 9. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: logging, by said computer processor,movement data indicating that said vehicle is currently in motion;transmitting, by said computer processor, said movement data to anauthority entity; determining, by said computer processor, that saidvehicle is currently not in motion for a specified time period; andenabling, by said computer processor in response to said determiningthat said vehicle is currently not in motion for said specified timeperiod, said specified functions of said movement detection enableddevice.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining, bysaid computer processor, that a current latitude and longitude withrespect to a current location of the vehicle has not changed;determining, by said computer processor based on said determining thatsaid current latitude and longitude with respect to said currentlocation of the vehicle has not changed, that said vehicle is notcurrently in motion for a time period; executing, by said computerprocessor, a heuristics algorithm with respect to said time period;determining, by said computer processor based on results of saidexecuting, that said time period is associated with a traffic controlrelated stop time period; determining, by said computer processor, ifsaid time period exceeds a predetermined time period; and presenting, bysaid computer processor via a display of said movement detection enableddevice and based on results of said determining if said time periodexceeds said predetermined time period, an option for enabling saidspecified functions of said movement detection enabled device.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by said computerprocessor from said user, a command for overriding said disabling;enabling, by said computer processor in response to said receiving saidcommand, said specified functions of said movement detection enableddevice; determining, by said computer processor, that said enabling hasexceeded a specified time period; logging, by said computer processor,override data indicating that said enabling has exceeded said specifiedtime period; and transmitting, by said computer processor, said overridedata to an insurance reporting agency or an authority entity.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring, by said computerprocessor, said movement detection enabled device; determining, by saidcomputer processor based on results of said monitoring, that inboundcommunication data is currently being received by said movementdetection enabled device generating, by said computer processor, amessage indicating that said user is currently driving said vehicle andwill review said inbound communication data at a later time period; andtransmitting, by said computer processor, said message to a devicetransmitting said inbound communication data.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein said instructions comprise data defining disabling instructions,override instructions, and reporting instructions.
 14. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: providing at least one support service forat least one of creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, anddeploying computer-readable code in the computing system, said codebeing executed by the computer processor to implement said monitoring,said determining that said vehicle is currently in motion, saiddetecting, said retrieving, said determining that said movementdetection enabled device is located within said specified proximity,said determining that said user is said driver of said vehicle, and saiddisabling.
 15. A movement detection enabled device comprising a computerprocessor coupled to a computer-readable memory unit, said memory unitcomprising instructions that when executed by the computer processorimplements a method comprising: enabling, by said computer processor ofsaid movement detection enabled device detected to be located within avehicle, communications between said movement detection enabled deviceand an on-board computer of said vehicle; enabling, by said computerprocessor, a warning function of said on-board computer, wherein saidwarning function is for indicating that an individual has disabled saidcommunications and subsequently generating a log and warning for anauthority entity indicating that said communications have been disabledby said individual; determining, by said computer processor based onmonitoring a movement detection signal of said movement detectionenabled device, that said vehicle is currently in motion; retrieving, bysaid computer processor from an electronic tag in said vehicle,instructions associated with said movement detection enabled device,wherein said instructions define commands associated with: disablingsaid movement detection enabled device, overriding said disabling saidmovement detection enabled device, and instructions for reporting saiddisabling said movement detection enabled device to an authority entity;determining, by said computer processor based on detecting saidelectronic tag and results of measuring a proximity of said movementdetection enabled device with respect to said electronic tag, that saidmovement detection enabled device is located within a specifiedproximity of said electronic tag indicating a driver location of saidvehicle; determining, by said computer processor based on determiningthat said movement detection enabled device is located within saidspecified proximity to said driver location of said vehicle, that saiduser is a driver of said vehicle; and disabling, by said computerprocessor based on said instructions and said determining that said useris said driver of said vehicle, specified functions of said movementdetection enabled device.
 16. The computing system of claim 15, whereinsaid disabling said specified functions comprises disabling saidmovement detection enabled device.
 17. The computing system of claim 15,wherein said disabling said specified functions comprises disabling textmessaging functions of said movement detection enabled device.
 18. Thecomputing system of claim 15, wherein said disabling said specifiedfunctions comprises disabling message notification features associatedwith text messaging functions of said movement detection enabled device.19. The computing system of claim 15, wherein said disabling saidspecified functions comprises disabling phone call functions of saidmovement detection enabled device.
 20. A computer program product,comprising a computer readable hardware storage device storing acomputer readable program code, said computer readable program codecomprising an algorithm that when executed by a computer processor of amovement detection enabled device implements a method, said methodcomprising: enabling, by said computer processor of said movementdetection enabled device detected to be located within a vehicle,communications between said movement detection enabled device and anon-board computer of said vehicle; enabling, by said computer processor,a warning function of said on-board computer, wherein said warningfunction is for indicating that an individual has disabled saidcommunications and subsequently generating a log and warning for anauthority entity indicating that said communications have been disabledby said individual; determining, by said computer processor based onmonitoring a movement detection signal of said movement detectionenabled device, that said vehicle is currently in motion; retrieving, bysaid computer processor from an electronic tag in said vehicle,instructions associated with said movement detection enabled device,wherein said instructions define commands associated with: disablingsaid movement detection enabled device, overriding said disabling saidmovement detection enabled device, and instructions for reporting saiddisabling said movement detection enabled device to an authority entity;determining, by said computer processor based on detecting saidelectronic tag and results of measuring a proximity of said movementdetection enabled device with respect to said electronic tag, that saidmovement detection enabled device is located within a specifiedproximity of said electronic tag indicating a driver location of saidvehicle; determining, by said computer processor based on determiningthat said movement detection enabled device is located within saidspecified proximity to said driver location of said vehicle, that saiduser is a driver of said vehicle; and disabling, by said computerprocessor based on said instructions and said determining that said useris said driver of said vehicle, specified functions of said movementdetection enabled device.